HS/N to host reduced rate microchip clinic May 3

Apr 11, 2014

Haywood Spay/Neuter will host a HomeAgain® microchip clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at 182 Richland Ave. Unit 1, Waynesville. Local pet owners can have their dogs, cats and large animals microchipped at a reduced rate of $15. This clinic program is staffed by Smokey Mountain Mobile Veterainary Services, Dr. Mary Coker, and will also offer at reduced rate canine distemper combo vaccine ($15) as well as rabies vaccines for dogs ($10), cats ($10), and horses ($15). For more information or to reserve a time, call 452-1329.

Between 6 and 8 million pets enter animal shelters throughout the United States every year. Without identification, 90 percent of these pets will not return home. A microchip is the only permanent form of identification that cannot be altered or removed. The procedure is simple and very similar to a routine shot. A chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted between the pet’s shoulder blades just below the skin. The process takes a few seconds and no anesthetic is required. Owners then register their contact information with a national pet recovery database.

When a pet is found, a scanner is used to detect the presence of a microchip. Each chip has a unique number that corresponds with a database like HomeAgain, which contacts the owner. HomeAgain helps reunite over 10,000 pets every month. The annual membership includes services like a 24/7 emergency medical hotline, travel assistance for lost pets and real-time lost pet alerts to volunteer veterinarians, shelters and pet rescuers in the area. The annual membership is offered, but is not required to keep your pet registered. Updated contact information is necessary to keep a pet safe.

“Every week we hear sad stories of lost pets,” said Connie Hewitt, board president of HS/N. “We’re conducting this special microchip clinic to help people improve the odds of reuniting with their lost animals. We recommend all pet owners microchip their pets.” For more information or to make an appointment, call 452-1329.